The 2005 NBA Draft is Tuesday night. On Monday, the NBA Draft Media Day interviews took place. Although a few of these players are bound to slip, almost all of them will likely go lottery or at least mid first round. Here are some quotes from the 2005 NBA Draft Media Day interviews:

ANDREW BOGUT, Utah

Q. How does it feel to potentially be the number one pick? Bogut:
It has been like that for the past couple of months now, the speculation. Itís
just one day closer. Once it is over it will be a good day just to get it out of
the way, but itís definitely exciting. Itís probably going to be the biggest day
of my life and something Iíll remember forever.

Q. Are you nervous? Bogut: A little bit. There is a lot of press
here, a lot of media, a lot of people, a lot of functions I have to attend to so
it gets pretty fast paced. Sometimes it gets pretty nerve-racking, but I have
good people working around so it has been pretty easy so far.

Q: Will the tougher challenges be on or off the court? Bogut: Off
the court Iím fine; all I need is a nice car and a nice house. I played in the
Olympics and played all those prestige international tournaments so Iíll have no
problems there. On the court, I have to adjust the NBA way of officiating, the
NBA way of physicality, everything.

Q. Tomorrow you will be a multi-millionaire -- how does that feel?
Bogut: I donít really care about the money; Iím playing basketball for
the love of the game. The money is obviously going to help my lifestyle, and it
is going to help my family. I could have been making millions of dollars two or
three years ago in Europe and I opted not to. I opted to stay in college. Itís
just one of those things. Money is not that important to me, but it will
definitely help my life.

Q. What are your thoughts about possibly going to Milwaukee?
Bogut: I definitely want to go number one. Milwaukee is a great city;
itís a city that Iíd settle into pretty easily. It is a little bit bigger than
Salt Lake, and something that I like. I donít like the big cities, the crazy top
cities. It would definitely be a plus off the court.

Q. What about playing with the team [Milwaukee] on the court, playing with
guys like Michael Redd. Bogut: Playing with Michael Redd would be
awesome. Heís an All-Star, and my goal would be to make him an All-Star again in
2006. Just hopefully make the Playoffs, and on paper I think they were the best
team that was in the Lottery.

RAYMOND FELTON, North Carolina

Q. All these point guards coming out this year, who is the best?
Felton: All of us.

Q. The Bobcats brought your name up Friday night; you wouldnít mind going
there would you? Felton: I wouldnít mind it at all; I wouldnít mind
anything right about now.

Q. Who else has spoken to you? Felton: A lot of teams are
interested. Youíve got Charlotte, youíve got Utah, youíve got Toronto, got the
Lakers. It is a lot of teams that are interested, just about all the teams in
the lottery are interested, but everybody canít take me. New Orleans is
interested.

Q. If you guys donít win the National Championship, are you going back to
UNC or still coming to the NBA? Felton: I donít know; we made it so far.
Iím not saying that just because we won it that is the reason why I came out.
But it made a big difference, because I came to school to try to win a National
Championship so when I won it, it was almost to the point Ė what is the point of
coming back? What else is there to do, other than to try win another one.

Q. Did potentially four UNC Lottery picks have anything to do with your
decision? Felton: We all talked about coming in together and leaving
together. Me, Sean and Rashad sat down and we talked and said, ďAre we really
going to do this?Ē and made that decision.

Q. Obviously three years of college helped you, what do you think of the
new rule that requires players to be 19? Felton: In my opinion, I think
it is good. Some players are ready to come right out of high school, and play in
the NBA and be able to handle things. But it is the exception of many. You have
guys like LeBron [James], who was able to do that and make that transition, Kobe
Bryant, Kevin Garnett. But some kids are not going to be able to handle that,
but Iím big on going to school and getting that college experience, because it
is a wonderful experience.

CHANNING FRYE, Arizona

Q: Do you know Richard Jefferson at all? Frye: Yeah. I was out
with him last night; him, Luke Walton and Jason Gardner. Those are like my
brothers. They took care of me [at Arizona]. Iíve known Richard since before I
even went to high school.

Q: How are you feeling one day before the Draft? Frye: Iím just
enjoying the moment. I feel like Iím in a blessed situation. I donít want to
ruin any of it by being too excited about tomorrow. I feel like Iíve worked for
where I am at right now. I want to stay humble and enjoy this moment.

Q: Are you nervous at all about joining the NBA? Frye: Iím really
kind of hungry to get back in the gym, to be honest. I havenít shot a ball for a
couple of days. But, Iím just excited about the chance to get in to the NBA. But
there are some things I canít control. Iíve put it in Godís hands and, like I
said, Iím just enjoying the moment, enjoying the fact that I can actually see
some of my family members that I donít get a chance to see. And, Iím just
enjoying the city. Itís New York, címon now.

Q: Reports are that the Knicks are interested in you. Your thoughts?
Frye: Itís definitely a huge blessing to have a team such as the Knicks
say they want somebody, and I actually have a chance to get there. But I have no
control over that. I would love to play for the Knicks, but if I play for any
other team that would be fine, too. Whoever picks me is going to get a great
player and a great person.

Q: Do you have roots in New York? Frye: Yeah, I have a lot of
roots in New York. I think I have upwards of 75 people coming to the Draft from
my family. They all live in Brooklyn. Itís good to see them. I really donít get
a chance to see them being on the West Coast and always moving around. Whenever
we play at Madison Square garden, they always come out in big herds. So, itís
going to be a lot of fun; Iím really excited about that.

GERALD GREEN, Gulf Shores Academy (Houston)

Q: Youíre part of the last draft class that will go directly from high
school to the NBA. What is your feeling on that and do you think itís a good
idea? Green: I think itís a pretty good idea. A lot of high schoolers
that came out before this class, they thought that they werenít really mature
and I think that whatever the NBA decided to do, the decision that they made, I
think it was a good decision.

Q: Do you feel fortunate that you had the opportunity to go right now?
Green: Yes, of course, I feel fortunate to have this opportunity, just
to be in the situation that Iím in right now. There are a lot of players that
donít get this opportunity and I feel very blessed and very fortunate.

Q: If the rule had been in place, you wouldnít be sitting here today,
would you have felt differently if the rule would have applied to you and you
were forced to go to school? Green: No. I wouldnít feel differently at
all. I would have gone to school. And I think I would have come back and
hopefully been in the same place I am right now.

Q: The Lakers are one of the teams that have expressed interest in you.
Have you thought about possibly going to L.A. and playing with Kobe Bryant and
Phil Jackson? Green: I thought about it, but I canít really think about
those things. I still have a lot of other workouts to do and I have to stay
positive and work hard at all the other workouts. There are a lot of good
players out there. There are a lot of good players out there in the draft that
are a lot better than me so I canít really think about those things. I have to
go out there and do my best.

Q: With the age limit, people will be entering the draft older. Is that
pressure or does it make it easier being in the situation that youíre in?
Green: Itís not pressure. A lot of guys say that theyíre ready for the
NBA right now. Itís really no pressure. Not on me, I donít think not on a lot of
these guys. They say that theyíre ready and they say they want to fulfill their
dream like me so I think itís a good idea for them.

Q: Why do you feel like youíre ready for the NBA, especially because
youíre coming out of high school? Green: Right now Iím really not too
sure about ready or not. I just think, possibly if I get drafted, that the
coaches will stick with me. I learn a lot from the veterans. I have a lot to
learn and I think they could teach me a lot. And I know for sure that when the
season starts I should be ready.

DANNY GRANGER, New Mexico

Q: Did you have these aspirations when you were first starting out in
college at Bradley? Granger: I did, but I didnít think it was a reality.
Not many people go to the NBA. Itís really hard to the NBA, but a couple of
years down the line, it started to become more of a reality.

Q: Whatís this experience been like so far? Granger: Itís pretty
busy. They have our schedules all mapped out. We go to this photo shoot, to this
interview, to go visit with kids. Itís a good thing. Iím enjoying the
experience.

Q: Have the New Orleans Hornets showed any interest in you?
Granger: I think theyíre interested. I think my agent would probably
know more than I do at this point. He talks frequently with the teams. But, I do
know they are interested.

Q: Is this a difficult process to go through? Granger: Not really.
This is a great opportunity. Not everyone gets to do this. Not everyone has the
chance to play basketball for a living. I think this a great opportunity. Iím
learning a lot from going through the process and I see it as a positive thing.

Q: What would you tell somebody from New York to bring with them to New
Mexico? Granger: Bring a lot of water, because youíll get dehydrated,
because weíre so high up.

Q: Is it a fun place? Granger: Itís a very fun town. Very fun, a
lot of things to do. A lot of people donít know abut Albuquerque, but itís a
great place to play basketball. Great sports fans, great people in general.

Q: Whatís the anxiety like? Granger: Itís the anticipation. If
anyone has every played basketball, they always have the NBA in the back of
their mind. Now that this moment is right before me, itís kind of breathtaking.
Iím so close.

Q: How have you risen from a potential first round pick to a likely top 10
selection? Granger: I think I just got some attention. We didnít play on
ESPN every night like North Carolina and Duke. As more people got to see me, the
more they saw I could do out there.

YAROSLAV KOROLEV, CSKA Moscow

Q: Do you think youíll be able to play right away or do you think youíll
probably be a practice player next year and take a little time to develop?
Korolev: I will do my best to step in and play, but weíll see. It will
be up to the coach and also what kind of talent the team already has. But, I
will do my best.

Q: Why are more and more international players having a greater impact
these days? Korolev: The game in Europe is not as athletic. Itís more
about playing with your head. So, I think the coaches in the NBA like that.
Also, you have guys like (Manu) Ginobili. He was an NBA champion this year.
Players in Europe see that and start to think they can play in America. They can
make it here. And theyíre doing their best to eventually make it here. So, they
have more motivation, because they see how a lot of European players come over
and play and become champions.

Q: Are you on a weight-lifting regime right now? Korolev: I never
miss the weight lifting. I like it.

Q: When you were practicing with the CSKA senior team, how much did you
learn from that experience? Korolev: I learned a lot. I learned to play
more physical. I learned to play a little faster. I think there is a lot of
talent in Russia.

Q: Is there a chance youíll stay in Russia another season?
Korolev: Thereís a lot of talk, and there will be a lot of decisions
that need to be made. There is still more discussion that will take place.

SEAN MAY, North Carolina

Q. Describe your feelings right now? May: Every thought is going
through my head; there are 10 different cities where I could end up in. Little
anxious, little nervous, nervous, I have never really felt nervous ever, at
anything. But not knowing where I am going, and living a dream right now.
Walking on that stage tomorrow and shaking David Sternís hand is something I
have always dreamt about and hopefully it will be within the first 15 picks so
they do not make ratings off of me sitting there for 12 picks while Iím stuck.
Iím excited, a little nervous, but anxious at the same time and hopefully it
will all work out for the best.

Q. How do you think you will feel when your name is called? May:
Just joy, extreme excitement, just seeing the look on my fatherís face is what I
will look forward to the most. Him being there with me, going through it, him
being drafted in the first round and hopefully Iíll be drafted in the first
round too. It will be a lot of fun for my family and my friends to be here that
I have flown up, I have flown up some teammates of mine to enjoy this experience
with me.

Q. Your name has been mentioned in gaining interest from the Knicks, what
would that mean to you? May: The Knicks would be a great fit for me, I
think they have a lot of four men right now, but they are trying to remap their
team and move some people around I think. For me any team I go to is going to be
a team that wants me and they think that they need me, so to be here with the
Knicks would be a privilege. My family knows Isiahís [Thomas] family really well
and it would just be a huge honor to play for a franchise with so much history.

Q. Where do you see yourself landing? May: The teams that I have
talked to, they donít see me getting past 13, but a lot of teams say anywhere
from 9-15. I would like to go somewhere in the Lottery, in the top 15, but for
me I just want to go to a situation that is good where I can help and that a
team wants me. And whatever team gets me is going to get a player who is willing
to work and is going to come in and do what he is asked and bring good character
to the team and that franchise.

RASHAD MCCANTS, North Carolina

Q: Do you have a sense of which teams may be interested more than others
at this point? McCants: Looks good with the L.A. Clippers, Denver and
Minnesota.

Q: How do you think you would fit in with the Clippers? McCants: I
think it would be a good fit for me. Theyíre in need of a two-guard and decent
shooter. Just a guy thatís going to go out there and play team ball and win, and
I think I could be that guy for them.

Q: This yearís class, including yourself, Sean May and Raymond Felton,
seem to be dispelling the notion that you should leave school early and strike
while the iron is hot as opposed to staying in school for a few years. Your
thoughts on that? McCants: I think of guys like Tim Duncan, who stayed
in school four years, and turned into a mega star. When you see things like
that, itís gratifying that you know you can stay in school and not get
criticized for staying too long.

Q: What have these last few days been like, knowing youíre so close to the
dream? McCants: Itís a little bit of everything, especially not knowing
where you are going to go; what teams like you; what teams donít like you; and
so on and so forth. I just take it as a new experience, a new challenge, and try
to learn from anything.

Q: Your stock is anywhere from the lottery to the early second round. What
are your thoughts about that? McCants: To me, it really doesnít matter.
As long as I get a chance to play and prove all the doubters wrong. Iím in a
position where I have to please everybody to earn a good enough draft position,
but given the situation, any team that takes a chance on me wonít regret it at
all.

CHRIS PAUL, Wake Forrest

Q: Last week you said you wouldnít mind getting selected by Charlotte. Is
that still the way you feel? Paul: Oh, yeah. I couldnít complain. Iíve
been in North Carolina my whole life. Iím just excited to be in the situation
Iím in. I couldnít complain with any team that I go to. This is a great, if you
want say, problem of not knowing what team youíre going to.

Q: Youíve been working out in Washington. With whom? And were there any
other players. Paul: A guy named Idan Ravin. I was actually [working
out] by myself. Every day Ö day in, day out. Occasionally, another guy would
come work out with me. Gilbert Arenas came and worked out with me one time, and
Steve Blake and Roger Mason.

Q: How was working out? Paul: It was very strenuous. Every day Ė
8:15 to 10 on the court, and I worked out with the strength and conditioning
coach from 12 to 3. It was really tough, but itís the price you have to pay in
order to put yourself in the position to get drafted as high as possible. It was
really tough, but looking back on it, I really appreciate it.

Q: Talk about the quality of point guard in this Draft. Paul:
There are so many different guards in the Draft this year. All of us have our
own different style. It really depends on what each team is looking for when it
chooses a point guard. They canít go wrong with whoever they pick.

Q: How does it make you feel to be considered the top point guard?
Paul: It makes me feel really, really good. But after tomorrow, it
doesnít make a difference. Once you get drafted itís what you do after. No
matter if youíre the second pick or the 60th pick, it really doesnít matter.
Itís all about how you perform.

FRAN VAZQUEZ, Unicaja Malaga (Spain)

Interview was conducted with the help of two interpreters

Q: Do you feel that other countries have caught up with America in
basketball? Vazquez: Basketball around the world is getting stronger and
better. I still feel the NBA is the strongest league in the world. And that is
the goal of most players, to get to the NBA, where the level of play is the
highest and most challenging.

Q: Are you nervous about making the jump to the NBA? Vazquez: I
was a bit nervous at the beginning. Now, I have set some expectations for
myself, and Iím more relaxed. I appreciate the help of people at the NBA. Iím
sure Iíll be nervous again tomorrow night, but Iím looking forward to it.

Q: How excited are you and do you have a particular team you like more
than any other? Vazquez: I think itís every playerís dream to play in
the NBA and I would be very proud to have my name called by whichever team takes
me.

Q: What has your approach been during this process? Vazquez: I
just try to take it one day at a time. I donít want to go in with too high
expectations. Iíll just have to see what happens.

Q: What is changing about the international player thatís allowing them to
come to the NBA and perform at a high level? Vazquez: The younger
international players are following in the footsteps of the guys who have paved
the way. In Spain, itís Pau Gasol. In France, itís Tony Parker and so on. The
success of these players has changed the mindset of the young international
players coming up through the ranks.

Q: What will be your biggest challenge adjusting to the NBA?
Vazquez: First and foremost, the language. Iím studying English and
trying to increase my understanding of the language and my ability to speak the
language. Itís a different pace game here. Itís more physical. Iíve watched the
NBA for many years, and I know what I have to do with my game to handle the
different type of play.

CHARLIE VILLANUEVA, Connecticut

Q: Why do you have to offer an NBA team interested in drafting you?
Villanueva: I bring a lot of versatility to a team. I create a lot of
mismatches for opponents. I just have a winning mentality. I come from a winning
program at UCONN, and Iím going to work hard.

Q: Did you talk to your former high school teammate, Luol Deng, about the
Draft? Villanueva: I did. He just said to be mentally tough. He said the
NBA season is 82 games in the year, more if you go to the playoffs. Itís going
to be draining. He said you have to take care of your body and stay mentally
tough as well.

Q: What will you getting drafted mean to your mother? Villanueva:
My mom has never asked me for a thing. I remember the day I saw her lying in bed
sick, and it brought tears to my eyes. It just motivated me even more to get
myself into this situation.

Q: How is your motherís arm? Does she have use of it? Villanueva:
She has very little use of it, but sheís getting surgery for the second time on
it really soon. Sheís getting better, though. Sheís a fighter.

Q: With how you were brought up, what has your relationship with your mom
meant to your success? Villanueva: My mother and I have the best
relationship ever. Sheís my best friend. Since day one, sheís been by my side.
Not just me, my whole family. Sheís a very strong woman, and Iím just fortunate
to be in this position so I can help her out financially.

Q: Have you thought about what itís going to be like when your name is
called? Villanueva: I havenít really put much thought into that. It
still hasnít hit me yet. But I do know that hearing my name called on draft day
will be a dream come true. Iím excited. Whatever team drafts me, Iíve just got
to go in there and wok hard.

Q: How did your workouts go? Villanueva: I did pretty well. I put
in a good effort. I know there are some teams interested in me, but my agent has
a better idea where. I told him not to tell me. Iím only going to experience
this once, so I want to take it all in.

Q: How are you a different player now than you were when you initially
declared coming out of high school? Villanueva: When I declared, people
had their doubts about me. I was one of those guys who people said needed an
extra year, or Iíd be picked late in the first round. But Iíve been working hard
and have put myself in the position of being in the green room. There are no
guarantees, but thatís a good first step.

HAKIM WARRICK, Syracuse

Q: This whole process can be very exhausting. How are you feeling?
Warrick: Today, Iíve had a whole new burst of energy. Iím getting really
excited for tomorrow. Tonight is going to be a long night. I donít think Iím
going to be able to sleep. I canít wait to hear my name tomorrow.

Q: Tell me about the workouts. Warrick: They were tiring. It was
kind of tough. I canít wait to shake hands with the Commissioner, or whoever,
and know that itís all over. Itís up to the teams. Itís in their hands now.
Hopefully, everyone liked what they saw, and Iíll be a professional tomorrow.

Q: Any idea where you might get drafted? Warrick: Iím looking
between numbers six through 10. Iíve heard anywhere from six to 36, but
hopefully, I can fall somewhere within that six through 10 range.

Q: Any particular teams indicate that they liked you a lot?
Warrick: No teams are really going to let you in on exactly what theyíre
thinking. They all said they liked my workout, but they donít want to be too
forward with it.

Q: How important was it for you to play the full four years at Syracuse?
Warrick: It was really important. Itís also important for me to come in
and play right away. Iím really thankful to have been able to experience the
full four years playing at a high level of Division I basketball.

Q: Would you recommend staying four years in college to younger players.
Warrick: It depends on the player. You got guys like Carmelo, LeBron Ė
guys that are ready to come in and play right away. But the guys who come into
the league and sit for four or five years before they really play, I think it
would be better for them to go to college.

Q: Do you think that some NBA guys place a stigma on players who stay in
college, as if they maybe werenít good enough to get drafted out of high school?
Warrick: That was something I looked into last year. I wanted to show
that you can be a fourth-year senior, graduate and still go in the Draft as a
lottery pick, and still produce in the NBA.

MARTELL WEBSTER, Seattle Prep High School
(Wash.)

Q: You could possibly end up in New York. Your thoughts? Webster:
Itís overwhelming. New York is known for its excitement. It would be an honor to
play here. There is a lot of history here. Madison Square Garden. I would love
to be a part of that some day.

Q: Are you ready to make the jump and why? Webster: I definitely
think I am ready for this. I thought about this for three or four months before
putting my name into the Draft. You have to go into something like this knowing
you can do it. You have to be confident. Right now, Iím confident. And Iím going
to stay that way.

Q: Youíve accomplished a lot. Nothing can compare to this, though?
Webster: Besides family, no, nothing compares to this. This is a
once-in-a-lifetime thing and Iím happy I took advantage of it. Iím happy with
the decision I made.

Q: Do you think you are mentally and physically prepared for this?
Webster: Yes I do. When I come in, Iím not looking to play right away.
Iím looking to have a role model on whatever team I go to teach me some of the
ropes.

Q: Do you think this is a risk? Webster: Not at all. I feel itís a
blessing.

Q: If college helps your game and makes you more mature, why take this
chance? Webster: Thatís a great question. With lifeís decisions come
risks and that was a risk I was willing to take. Nothing against college,
though. Right after my Seattle Prep High School season, before the All-Star
game, I was going to University of Washington and playing for Lorenzo Romar. But
it was a risk I willing to take.

DERON WILLIAMS, Illinois

Q: Did you work out for the Lakers? Williams: No I didnít. They
had wanted me to, but I had already been on the road for a week and a half and
it was a last minute thing and I didnít know if I would have been prepared
enough and I needed to go home for Houston for a day. I couldnít fly straight to
New York because I had to get my suit and different things like that.

Q: If they do make a deal and get you somewhere up at the top, what are
your thoughts on playing with Phil Jackson and the triangle and Kobe Bryant?
Williams: It would be great. Phil Jackson is arguably one of the
greatest coaches ever. Kobe Bryant is arguably one of the greatest players in
the game right now. So I would definitely be honored to play for the Lakers. And
there are a lot of great things that could happen with that.

Q: There has been a lot of talk that Utah might try to move up. Did you
workout for Utah? Williams: Yes I did. I worked out for two through six
and Orlando. Iíve heard a lot of talks of trades so you donít know what to
expect right now. This draft is so wide open right now, so thereís no telling
where you might end up.

Q: Could you talk about the possibility of playing in Utah?
Williams: It would be another great situation I think. I know theyíre
not used to losing in Utah, Coach (Jerry) Sloan is not used to losing. They had
an off year last year but they had to battle some injuries and things like that.
I think definitely they would have a chance to get back in the playoffs this
year and do some special things.

Q: Everyone has you going early on in the draft, how does that feel?
Williams: It feels great. Itís a blessing right now to be here. If you
told me I would be considered one of the top five pick when I came out of high
school, I probably wouldnít have agreed with it. But Iíve worked hard to get
here, put in three long years at Illinois and Iím here now and it feels good.

Q: What do you bring to the table? Williams: Iím a winner. Iíve
won at every level. I make my teammates better and Iím best when Iím out there
making plays for people and getting people the ball. Thatís what I do best. And
I bring a defensive intensity to a ball team.

Q: Will it be a relief tomorrow to know where youíre going and start
planning for that? Williams: It will definitely be a relief. Iím nervous
right now. Like I said the draft is so wide open right now. You donít know where
youíre going to be, what team, what city, so I'll definitely be able to rest
easy after the draft.

MARVIN WILLIAMS, North Carolina

Q: Did you get the feeling that the Hawks were more impressed by you
during the workout? Williams: I would hope so. I went in there and I
felt that I had a good workout, definitely. My shot fell. I handled the ball
pretty well. So I felt like my workout went pretty well. So I hope they were.

Q: Whatís your attitude about possibly getting picked No. 1?
Williams: Well itís nice to be No. 1, definitely. But Iím more concerned
about what team Iím going to go to and how I will fit in with that team. I think
thatís the most important thing. Thatís my main concern.

Q: Where would you fit in and when? Williams: Atlantaís young,
theyíre really young so I would definitely be a good fit there. They like to run
and I also like to run so I think I would fit their playing style.

Q: Whatís the uncertainty like, being on the eve of such a big day and not
having control over where youíre going? Williams: I think thatís the
scary part to be honest with you. You have no input on where youíre going to go.
It could be the fun part too. But it does make you a little bit nervous, Iím
sure everybody is a little bit nervous now but weíll know where we are going
after tomorrow.

Q: Have the Hawks pretty much told you that youíre the guy theyíre going
to pick? Williams: No. They never told me that at all. People have been
saying that Ďyes, itís you,í but [the Hawks] havenít been telling me that at
all.

Q: What do you think about the Hawks right now in terms of their talent?
Williams: Theyíre okay. Theyíre really young so Iíll definitely fit in
there. Theyíre still trying to learn the NBA game of basketball. So I would fit
it.

Q: Physically, whatís most NBA-ready about your game? Williams: I
feel like I can do a lot of things because of my size. Create some matchup
problems, definitely Iím going to try to do that. Iím going to handle the ball a
little bit and I can shoot it.

Q: When did you realize that you were ready for the NBA? Williams:
Probably after the championship game, about a week after when I really knew. I
had the opportunity coming out of high school and I turned it down. One year of
college helped me. I felt like I was ready after this year.

Q: You just turned 19, what are your thoughts on the NBAís new age limit?
Williams: Itís interesting to me. Eighteen, 19, I donít really see a big
difference in there. But one year of college will definitely help a lot of
players if they decide to come out after their first year. It will make the
league a lot better because guys will come in more experienced and the league
will be a lot better.

Q: What was it about North Caroline that you feel prepared you better for
the NBA? Williams: I just feel like I grew up a little bit. I matured
definitely as a person and as a basketball player. Playing for coach Williams,
heís such a great man to play for and such a great coach so I just learned so
much from playing for him. And I just felt like I was ready after that one year.

ANTOINE WRIGHT, Texas A&M

Q: Are there any teams whose draft plans you think you fit into?
Wright: I donít really know. Right now, Iím just excited about tomorrow,
and anxious to see what happens.

Q: The New Jersey Nets are a team that is supposed to have a lot of
interest in you. How do you feel about them? Wright: That surprises me a
little, because I didnít work out for them. But Iíve been having good workouts,
so, I guess word has been spreading. New Jersey is a great team.

Q: Perhaps the Netsí greatest need is a shooter. Is shooting one of your
strengths? Wright: Definitely. If I end up there, hopefully, Iíll be
able to help them. And playing alongside Jason Kidd would definitely not be a
bad thing.

Q: How did you prepare for your workouts? Wright: I just wanted to
show what I can do. Once you get in the workouts, itís too late to show people
anything new about you. You just try to stick to what you do best.

Q: Numbers-wise, where do you see yourself getting selected?
Wright: I think everybodyís goal is to get out of that Draft room as
soon as possible. Iím amongst everyone else in feeling that way.

Q: Did any of your workouts go particularly well? Wright: I had a
great workout with Toronto. I had a good workout with the Knicks, but you never
know if a good workout is enough to make a team decide theyíre ready to draft
you. Iím just looking forward to seeing what happens.

Q: What is it about you that should make teams want to draft you?
Wright: Iím an exciting player thatís seasoned already. Iím ready to go
to a team right now and compete for a spot. A lot of younger players are not
ready to do that. I have enough experience to come in and contribute right away.

Q: Would it excite you to get drafted by one of the Texas teams so you
could stay in your home state? Wright: It would definitely be fun to
have that A&M following down in Texas, but what weíll see what happens